Towards bridging the digital divide: training healthcare professionals for digitally inclusive healthcare systems
Efrat Neter, Max J. Western, Rosie Cooper, Anabelle Macedo Silva, Laura M König
Abstract
Over the past decade, the integration of information and communications technologies (ICTs) in healthcare has grown significantly, as has the rapid increase in internet access and mobile device ownership by individuals. However, challenges such as the digital divide, encompassing disparities in access, usage skills, and the benefits derived from ICT use, persist. Addressing this divide is crucial for maximizing the potential of digital health technologies, particularly for more vulnerable people in society who often require the most support. This commentary paper's aim is to advocate training, in both educational and healthcare settings, so as to contribute towards bridging the digital divide. We propose that educational programs for healthcare professionals in academic institutions can integrate modules on the digital health divide within existing courses on social determinants of health (e.g., sociology, epidemiology, and health informatics) or in specific courses on digital health. The recommended courses should include modules on the digital divide, its causes, implications, and strategies to first assess and then enhance digital and health literacy among patients. Training healthcare professionals in work settings would be part of continuous professional development. This training should include assessing digital health literacy, identifying barriers to uptake, engagement and impact of digital health tools, and providing tailored education on digital health tools or interventions. Healthcare professionals should follow protocols to ensure the effective use of digital health tools by diverse patients and have access to community resources for ongoing support. Finally, the paper suggests service-wide international standards for ameliorating the digital divide.